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The paper draws upon sociodemographical changes of the last two decades in the Algarve region. Two main purposes are: to describe and interpret the meaning of these changes and to confront this analysis with recent studies and with the classical definitions of sub-regional areas. Using the classical perspectives as a starting point we then present the cluster analysis for 1991 and for 2001. Four territorial profiles are presented which reflect two main trends: urbanization and marginalization. Lastly, we focus on a specific municipality – São Brás de Alportel – where strong sociodemographical dynamics have been identified despite its inland localization, enabling a more in-depth analysis and a discussion of the presented trends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an era of intense urbanisation, green spaces have become elements of ever greater importance for the quality of the urban environment. How do citizens perceive these spaces? Which behavioural patterns do they exhibit? Which key advantages and limitations do they most often associate with these spaces? This article presents the results of a study undertaken in the city of Bragança, which aimed at assessing how the city's resident population perceives and uses its public green spaces. Among other conclusions, it was found: i) that the various social groups exhibit different use patterns; ii) that these use patterns are strongly characterised by seasonality; iii) that age is a significant determinant of the degree of preference for, alternatively, built facilities and natural elements; and iv) that the city's inhabitants consider the local green spaces to be of generally good quality, and generally acknowledge most of their social and environmental benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]